More than 20 years ago, I watched the final of the 1995 men's French Open final, where an Austrian, Thomas Muster won the title over Michael Chang, who at that time already won an earlier RG title. But that year, if I'm not mistaken, was the year Muster ruled the clay court season, so it was no surprise he won over Chang in just 3 sets.
Tomorrow, another Austrian, Dominic Thiem, takes to the centerstage in Roland Garros and try to duplicate what Muster had done. The only problem is, he has to take down the greatest player the clay court has ever known, Rafael Nadal, and with the master firing on all cylinders from his earlier rounds, Thiem would have to throw everything at Rafa, including as they say, the kitchen sink, to even win a set.
C'est possible? Ouais, peut-etre.
Thiem has had victories over Rafa on clay, this year in Madrid, and last year in Rome. There is no doubt, he can do it. Question is, can he do it, in Paris, in the most important clay court title of them all?
In a way, the new generation collides with the veterans this time round and methinks the veterans will still triumph in the end.
No comments:
Post a Comment